All-Natural Treatments for Minor Pet Health Ailments

Learn proven at-home treatments for pet injuries

By E.A. Anne

Pets can be rambunctious and can get into all kinds of pickles. From bee stings to minor scratches to diarrhea to hairballs, it may seem like your pet invites trouble. You care about your pet's health, but you don't want to act like an overanxious mommy by calling the vet every time minor ailments arise. Some education on all-natural home remedies for proper pet health is in order.

Treat bee stings After removing a bee stinger from your pet, you should prevent swelling and dull the pain. Mix one Tbsp baking soda with water to create a thick paste. Apply this to the infected area. You also can apply a cold ice pack to the injury.

Soothe mildly burned skin Clip most of the fur from the burned area, cleanse it with mild soap and water, and apply aloe vera to the wound. Aloe vera will soothe your pet's skin, so don't hesitate to re-apply it several times throughout the day.

Remove hairballsFor most animals, hairballs are a mere annoyance. However, for animals such as rabbits, which cannot vomit, hairballs are life-threatening. Luckily, there are several all-natural home remedies that unclog hairballs from an animal's stomach. Give your pet some butter to lick, and the hairball will pass easily. Similarly, if you stick petroleum jelly on your pet's nose, it can lick off the slick substance, which will help move hairballs from its stomach.

Heal minor wounds Mixing apple cider vinegar with water will cure many small pet wounds/injuries. Simply dilute the apple cider vinegar, and apply it to your pet's wound with a clean cloth. For more serious wounds, use Dy's Liquid Bandage, which contains beeswax, herbs and olive oil (available for $32.95 at KV Pet & Equine).

Eliminate skunk odors When it comes to removing skunk odors, the long-discussed tomato juice remedy is, unfortunately, a myth. But there is a great all-natural treatment within your grasp. Mix water, 1 qt of hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup of baking soda and 1 - 2 tsp of liquid soap, and apply it to your pet's fur as you would shampoo. Rinse thoroughly after several minutes. If the smell doesn't go away, feel free to reapply this solution.

While minor pet injuries often can be treated with home remedies, you should never take pet health for granted. If your pet's injury is more serious than you can safely handle, do not hesitate to call the vet immediately. Your pet's health always should be your first priority!

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